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Breakaway (Verdant String #1)

Sofie lives in the shadow of Felicitos--the tethered way station built to funnel Garmen's mineral wealth up to the top of the atmosphere, where it's loaded onto space ships. Because Garmen is a breakaway planet, not part of the Verdant String Coalition, the companies that control it are free to run things as they see fit, and Sofie is part of the resistance that wants to e Sofie lives in the shadow of Felicitos--the tethered way station built to funnel Garmen's mineral wealth up to the top of the atmosphere, where it's loaded onto space ships. Because Garmen is a breakaway planet, not part of the Verdant String Coalition, the companies that control it are free to run things as they see fit, and Sofie is part of the resistance that wants to end their rule.
Her main goal, though, is to get away from Garmen altogether, and leave the drudgery and violence behind her. That goal is complicated by her involvement with Leo Gaudier, a shadowy crime lord whose ability to cheat the companies that own Garmen is something she admires. And when she stumbles on a terrible new direction the companies are taking, a secret alliance that will endanger everyone she cares about, she sees her chances of escape slipping away.
Leo is all too aware he doesn't know enough about Sofie, something his own security detail is not slow to point out, but he can't keep away. When Sofie reveals her links to the resistance, and shows him those in control of Garmen have begun swimming in dangerous waters, he realizes his plan to overthrown them in a careful operation of a thousand cuts is no longer workable.
The time has come for a single, lethal strike--and that will not be without consequences . . .

Sofie lives in the shadow of Felicitos--the tethered way station built to funnel Garmen's mineral wealth up to the top of the atmosphere, where it's loaded onto space ships. Because Garmen is a breakaway planet, not part of the Verdant String Coalition, the companies that control it are free to run things as they see fit, and Sofie is part of the resistance that wants to e Sofie lives in the shadow of Felicitos--the tethered way station built to funnel Garmen's mineral wealth up to the top of the atmosphere, where it's loaded onto space ships. Because Garmen is a breakaway planet, not part of the Verdant String Coalition, the companies that control it are free to run things as they see fit, and Sofie is part of the resistance that wants to end their rule.
Her main goal, though, is to get away from Garmen altogether, and leave the drudgery and violence behind her. That goal is complicated by her involvement with Leo Gaudier, a shadowy crime lord whose ability to cheat the companies that own Garmen is something she admires. And when she stumbles on a terrible new direction the companies are taking, a secret alliance that will endanger everyone she cares about, she sees her chances of escape slipping away.
Leo is all too aware he doesn't know enough about Sofie, something his own security detail is not slow to point out, but he can't keep away. When Sofie reveals her links to the resistance, and shows him those in control of Garmen have begun swimming in dangerous waters, he realizes his plan to overthrown them in a careful operation of a thousand cuts is no longer workable.
The time has come for a single, lethal strike--and that will not be without consequences . . .

30 review for
Breakaway (Verdant String #1)

5 out of 5

Marta Cox–May 30, 2018

This is the first full length story set in the Verdant String universe. Essentially it’s a group of planets that have formed a coalition to benefit all their citizens and if you are interested in more background there are two prequels Interference and Insurgency which as I type are available as a wee box set. Now I’ve mentioned those who are part of the Verdant String but this story is about Garmen one of the two planets that have broken away to become independent . Life on this mining planet is This is the first full length story set in the Verdant String universe. Essentially it’s a group of planets that have formed a coalition to benefit all their citizens and if you are interested in more background there are two prequels Interference and Insurgency which as I type are available as a wee box set. Now I’ve mentioned those who are part of the Verdant String but this story is about Garmen one of the two planets that have broken away to become independent . Life on this mining planet is rough, dangerous and totally lawless and yet the Corporations in charge rule with an iron fist. No outside communications, no education and do as you are told or die because there is no escape from Garmen ever !
This story revolves around Sofie, the daughter of the genius architect who created the high tech buildings that allow those known as the Cores to control everything. Sofie has had such a hard life and dreams of finally getting away from Garmen and somehow getting justice for those who suffer daily. She’s just getting to know Leo a somewhat shady businessman when he’s attacked by his own security proving that in this cutthroat world anyone can be bought. Sofie saves Leo but unfortunately it raises her profile and soon they seem to be relying on each other but Sofie has a secret and ironically it connects her to Leo in ways neither of them ever imagined !
Ok I will be brutal here and say I didn’t actually feel that drawn in initially but I persevered as I’ve previously enjoyed this authors Class 5 series and I’m so glad I did. You see about thirty percent in ( tiny spoiler ) Sofie gets abducted and then everything just kicks off. I loved how everything connected and as things began to escalate yet again it was the ever resourceful and courageous Sofie that led the way. Obviously there are other characters to round out the story and Leo as her love interest but for this reader it was Sofie who shone the brightest. If you have read the prequels then a certain character makes an appearance here but honestly if it wasn’t for brave, self sacrificing Sofie I don’t think even he would have made a difference. There is a tiny bit of world building away from the way station that dominates so many lives but oddly not enough to make it feel very alien. It does feel futuristic with technology but it did seem as if everything revolves around greed and power . Bottom line is as much as I enjoy a romance it was Sofie who kept me engrossed and I’m left waiting to see what the author dreams up next.
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

5 out of 5

Mara–Jul 18, 2018

Let me clarify a few points first:
-I believe that you won't get much of the story if you don't read the prequel first. Yes everything is hinted here, but the real problem is that what thin world building this series has is better explained in book one.
-It is a very, very, very short novel.
- This book isn't exactly sci fi nor romance. It lacks too much to be either: as I said the plot is very thin and so is world building. But even as romance I struggled a lot. Where exactly is the love? Everyth Let me clarify a few points first:
-I believe that you won't get much of the story if you don't read the prequel first. Yes everything is hinted here, but the real problem is that what thin world building this series has is better explained in book one.
-It is a very, very, very short novel.
- This book isn't exactly sci fi nor romance. It lacks too much to be either: as I said the plot is very thin and so is world building. But even as romance I struggled a lot. Where exactly is the love? Everything happens in a week or so. They have barely met (3 dates before the beginning) and in a few day they topple their own lifes and rules (and a ruling Corps). And you really don't see the reasons why.
And here comes my nits.
-They both betray lifetime commitments for a person they have just met and for no reason, except author. She blabbers her secrets without knowing if he is trustworthy. Same for him.
- Really flat characters.
-The heroine is wonder woman, literally:
--She knows how to fight, she's a daredevil able to jumps between moving vehicles (a la Mission Impossibile) along vertical lines moreover (think elevator). And it's never explained why or how she learned such skills
--She saves the world from self destroying. Twice. She saves him from an assassin. Thrice. Same as above...
--She's better at being a spy than a CIA operative in a 1950 propaganda movie :)
--She's made of teflon: nothing scratches, nothing stucks to it, whatever it is done to her she's able to avoid it, if dangerous, laugh about it/ forgives it if it's a betrayal or the like. Sunny dispositions are nice. Pollyannish not so much..
So this book was a major disappointment for me. . But as I usually like this author I think my being letdown is due to the theme of the book that I can't believe should be treated this lightly (revolution against forms of slavery, global companies greed, the dissolution of society..). A useless background..
If you touch some darkness you can't make it light...
But you you should try one of her books, they are 'light' but not fluffy (and usually better than this).

4 out of 5

Douglas Meeks–Jun 03, 2018

Well this is the first novel in Michelle Diener's new SF/Drama/Thriller/Romance and I loved it. There are multiple characters and plots going on here but the fact is there is no "bad guy" as much is there is more of an evil conglomerate.
Sofie and Leo are both in the "don't trust anybody" camp so this is a bit of a problem for the romance but it is almost an insta-love but not quite, the reason for the quick jump into the romance is because there is a ton of drama, some mystery and people trying Well this is the first novel in Michelle Diener's new SF/Drama/Thriller/Romance and I loved it. There are multiple characters and plots going on here but the fact is there is no "bad guy" as much is there is more of an evil conglomerate.
Sofie and Leo are both in the "don't trust anybody" camp so this is a bit of a problem for the romance but it is almost an insta-love but not quite, the reason for the quick jump into the romance is because there is a ton of drama, some mystery and people trying to kill one or both of them (kinda messes with a romance).
I loved it, was kinda hard to get pulled into this story until you get a few chapters into it and then things start picking up, some stuff is revealed that makes things a lot more interesting and just overall a great story. If you read the "Class Five" series this is on that level of entertainment.
I should mention one of best things about this story is that it does not really leave anything undone and can be read pretty much as a stand alone if desired, I think I can see where the next book might be going but at this point it would just be a guess since she does provide the reader with a good ending and no cliffhanger or teasers for the next book.
4 Stars and highly recommended.

4 out of 5

Shasha–Jun 11, 2018

Action packed sci fi romance
This was a roller coaster plot filled with intrigue, resistance, and a side of romance. I loved the secret passages and short cuts!
I will get the next book that comes out!

4 out of 5

Kara-karina–Jun 21, 2018

Loved it! Very dynamic and tightly written, it was such a pleasure to read Breakaway! Review coming.

4 out of 5

Barbara–May 26, 2018

In this first full length story in the Verdant String series, the focus is on a breakaway planet, one that is not part of the Verdant String Coalition. On Garmen, the citizens are at the mercy of the companies that are in control and the focus is on making as much money for the companies as possible. Sofie Erdo is hoping to leave Garmen until she becomes involved with Leo Gaudier. and saves his life more than once. She was a part of the resistance fighting against the corporations and still has In this first full length story in the Verdant String series, the focus is on a breakaway planet, one that is not part of the Verdant String Coalition. On Garmen, the citizens are at the mercy of the companies that are in control and the focus is on making as much money for the companies as possible. Sofie Erdo is hoping to leave Garmen until she becomes involved with Leo Gaudier. and saves his life more than once. She was a part of the resistance fighting against the corporations and still has ties to them and Leo has quietly been doing what he can to undermine the corporations as well. As things escalate, they will have to work together to prevent a catastrophe, and since Sofie is the daughter of the man who designed the way station that is the key to the corporation’s operations, she has an advantage no one else has. I’m really enjoying this world of the Verdant String and liked the smart and resourceful Sofie. I always love it when a strong female character saves the male love interest, and she does it not once, but several times. All he wants to do is protect her, but she proves she’s more than capable of taking care of herself - and him. I’m looking forward to reading more stories set in this world and meeting more strong female characters are like Sofie.

5 out of 5

Mari–Jul 04, 2018

4.0 - 4.5 ***
I thought this book was excellent. On par with her Class 5 series. Michelle Diener writes strong heroes and heroines. No one is tstl. She doesn't sacrifice the story for romance or overdone sex scenes.
This is the first book in the Verdant String series and can be read as a standalone. However, I would recommend reading first. The two novellas introduce the world of the Verdant String and the Breakaway planets.
This is an action packed story but the characters do have downtime to ca 4.0 - 4.5 ***
I thought this book was excellent. On par with her Class 5 series. Michelle Diener writes strong heroes and heroines. No one is tstl. She doesn't sacrifice the story for romance or overdone sex scenes.
This is the first book in the Verdant String series and can be read as a standalone. However, I would recommend reading first. The two novellas introduce the world of the Verdant String and the Breakaway planets.
This is an action packed story but the characters do have downtime to catch their breaths between action. There is quite a bit happening in this book. It's not overwhelming but you do need to pay attention to a large cast of characters and the politics governing them, particularly in the beginning.
I'd love if this book were produced in the audio version. I look forward to the next book in the series.

5 out of 5

Stephanie (Bookfever)–May 26, 2018

Breakaway is the first full novel in the Verdant String series. But I would highly recommend readers to read Interference/Insurgency. These are two novellas that are really great introductions to the Verdant String world and I loved both of those stories as well.
The story introduced us to the first main character, Sofie Erdo. She lives on Garmen, which is a breakaway planet and not part of the Verdant String Coalition (or VSC), meaning that companies owned by sketchy people basically control all Breakaway is the first full novel in the Verdant String series. But I would highly recommend readers to read Interference/Insurgency. These are two novellas that are really great introductions to the Verdant String world and I loved both of those stories as well.
The story introduced us to the first main character, Sofie Erdo. She lives on Garmen, which is a breakaway planet and not part of the Verdant String Coalition (or VSC), meaning that companies owned by sketchy people basically control all of Garmen so the people living there don't have the best existence to say the least. And although Sofie is part of the resistance fighting it all, she just wants to leave Garmen as soon as she can. Enter Leo Gaudier, the second main character, a crime lord working in the shadows who, just like the resistance, wants to overthrow those in control of Garmen. Oh and he's the guy Sofie recently started dating...
Let's just say right away that Sofie was a badass. She saved Leo's life several times and isn't that just a nice change of pace compared to how it's usually the hero doing the saving. Don't get me wrong, I did love Leo, he was a really great character to read about but Sofie was one heroine I could definitely get behind.
The world building was amazing as well. It's a pretty complex world that the author created but oh that's just how I like it. And I gotta say, the author has written many books in different genres but her scifi worlds are some of my all time favorites.
Overall Breakaway was an amazing book that I couldn't put down. Well-written, excellent world building and Michelle Diener does romance like no other. There's no unneccesary drama, the heroine is not a helpless damsel in distress and the hero isn't overly protective. I loved it!

5 out of 5

Suz–Jun 27, 2018

I've said it before and it still holds true, Michelle Diener and I seem to share a comparable sense of proportion when it comes to wrapping a romance in a really good story that's NOT about the relationship. I also find that, in general, I find her heroes and heroines very likeable. She puts them through their paces, though.
I'm looking forward to the next.

5 out of 5

Lynn–May 25, 2018

Sofie Erdo has spent her whole life living and working in grim circumstances despite the fact that her father was the architect of Felicitos, a tethered way station for mineral riches from the planet Garmen. They are not a part of the confederation of planets known as the Verdant String Coalition so workers’ rights and a heathy lifestyle exists only for the very wealthy business owners known as the Core. Sofie has been working for the Resistance movement that operates in the shadows of their dan Sofie Erdo has spent her whole life living and working in grim circumstances despite the fact that her father was the architect of Felicitos, a tethered way station for mineral riches from the planet Garmen. They are not a part of the confederation of planets known as the Verdant String Coalition so workers’ rights and a heathy lifestyle exists only for the very wealthy business owners known as the Core. Sofie has been working for the Resistance movement that operates in the shadows of their dangerous world trying to make it a better place for those trapped in a web of poverty, ill health, and little to no education. She began dating Leo Gaudier, ostensibly a crime lord, who makes his living cheating back the cheaters. Leo has several cards up his sleeve for his own plan to wrest the way station away from the greedy overlords who care nothing for the peoples’ struggles or hard life.
As Sofie and Leo begin working together, he realizes that she not only has captured his heart, but she may hold the key to all of their survival. Sofie has access to the station in a way that no one else now living does. She continually surprises Leo with her strength, capabilities, and courage while he tries to protect her finding Sofie does not plan on only standing and waiting in the background. The company owners are making more illicit alliances that threaten to bring down their whole world so time is running short for Sofie and Leo to act before it is too late.
This novel is the first in the Verdant String series; however, there are two prequel related novellas called INTERFENCE and INSURGENCY. Ms. Diener'S Sci Fi romance stories are always great fun and entertaining. She has smart, resilient heroines and compassionate tough heroes in fascinating far away beyond the stars settings. I look forward to the next in this series.

5 out of 5

Ellen–Jun 23, 2018

For me this is a ok read. I liked the story but I really didn't connect to the characters. Also to me it would be a good idea to read the short reads Insurgency and Interference before Breakaway so you have a bit of idea what is going on. I am sorry to say but I don't think I will be reading the next one.
I was hoping it would be as good as her Class 5 series, which I love and have reread a couple of times already.

4 out of 5

Stacey–Aug 10, 2018

Review excerpted from my blog post over at FanSciHist (https://fanscihist.wordpress.com/2018...)
My Rating: (3.5 stars)
Library recommendation: Not recommended for library science fiction or romance collections as currently published. If a corrected version were to be released, I would recommend this book for public libraries.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
_____________________ Review excerpted from my blog post over at FanSciHist (https://fanscihist.wordpress.com/2018...)
My Rating: (3.5 stars)
Library recommendation: Not recommended for library science fiction or romance collections as currently published. If a corrected version were to be released, I would recommend this book for public libraries.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
_________________________________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 5
Love story speed: Relationship in progress (early stages) - not quite insta-love, though
Relationship dynamics: The Local Covert Operative (h) / The Underworld Figure with a Heart of Gold (H)
Sexual content: All sex is "offscreen", some foreplay onscreen; what is "onscreen" is mature and playful
Triggers: Violence against women; indentured servitude
Grammar/Editing: A number of typos and grammatical errors (approximately one every 20 pages). They don't hinder understanding, but when there are this many instances, it's distracting.
Review: This book starts at a run and pretty much keeps up a fast pace. Aside from the typos and grammatical errors, the book is otherwise written in an accessible style that fits well with the genre. There is a lot of detail and consistency in the world building, and it seems that much planning was done by the author regarding names, places, building layouts, terrain, physics, etc. This is consistent with the world building Diener has done in her other books. Readers should be ready to dive in with this world's terminology, names of planets, groups, etc. - the author uses an immersive technique and has not provided a reference glossary. There are prequel novellas that I have heard go into some detail about the Verdant String world, but I don't think it's strictly necessary to read them as a primer (and I freely admit that I didn't read them).
Like most of Diener's heroines, Sofie is physically and emotionally strong, competent, and well-respected in her world. This is something that Diener really excels at - it is very easy as a reader to invest oneself in Sofie and feel secure in her decision-making throughout the novel. Leo is a great match for Sofie in terms of his quick confidence, and his (mostly) easy-going nature. The only qualm I had with Leo is that he sometimes seems a bit flat and in a couple of instances, his dialogue came across as unnatural. That is, it seemed formulated to be the perfect response to Sofie's feelings: apology and validation combined with some maintenance of the protector role. I didn't find many of the supporting characters terribly memorably written, but the ones that stood out were intriguing and fell naturally within the storyline.
While this first installment was not Diener's best work, I definitely intend to read the next book to see where she takes the overall arc of the series.
Sound effects version: Bew bew! Run, jump! Pow! Slam! Ba-bum, ba-bum, ba-bum. *Repeat*.
Full disclosure: This is a book that I purchased on my own with no incentive from either the author or the publisher.

4 out of 5

Debbie Wooley–May 24, 2018

Breakaway is the story of Leo, a wealthy trader and part time rebel, and Sofie, a former resistance member and office worker. They live on Garman, which is controlled by the Cores, a greedy corporate conglomerate who cares little for those who live and work there, as evidenced by the conditions of the lower class.
None of the taxes paid to the Cores goes toward education, housing, defense, or law and order. Workers who came to Garman with the promise of, if not riches, at least a job and the hope Breakaway is the story of Leo, a wealthy trader and part time rebel, and Sofie, a former resistance member and office worker. They live on Garman, which is controlled by the Cores, a greedy corporate conglomerate who cares little for those who live and work there, as evidenced by the conditions of the lower class.
None of the taxes paid to the Cores goes toward education, housing, defense, or law and order. Workers who came to Garman with the promise of, if not riches, at least a job and the hope of making a better life, discovered that once you were there, you couldn’t leave. Ever.
Sofie’s father was the architect of the Tether Town, and being a Halatian, designed his creation to honor those lost. This is important because the way the story resolves itself, Sofie herself is the key. It’s hard to say more without giving away too much.
Breakaway is a complex story with layers and layers of world building that is fascinating in and of itself. I think if you have read Ms. Deiner’s other entries in the Verdant String series, you will be able to more easily step into the ebb and flow of Breakaway. I somehow managed to miss them and found it difficult to get into the story at first. I had to go back and reread sometimes, but my confusion may have been simply distraction on my part because I had to read the story over several days instead of one or two sittings as I would have preferred.
I like the characters of Sofie and Leo. She’s smart and actually manages to save Leo from harm multiple times. She didn’t come across as a super charged type, a character that can do everything perfectly every time, but simply as one who knows her own strengths and didn’t hesitate to do what needed to be done.
Leo is enough alpha male to want to be protective without being overbearing. He came from a poor background and took advantage of opportunities to become the wealthy executive he is without forgetting his roots. He’s a hero who works behind the scenes. I like him. He has strength of character without being obnoxious.
The action starts from the very beginning with Sofie saving Leo from an assassin and doesn’t really slow down from there. No slow spots that drag, not so much action that you’re exhausted just reading about it, but enough movement to keep the pace just where it needs to be.
I enjoyed Breakaway and look forward to the next entries in the series. I also plan on going back to pick up the Verdant String books right away. Ms. Deiner’s books are always well plotted, intelligently written, and just great fun to read. I first read her Class 5 series, which remains my favorite to reread. If you haven’t read those yet, I highly recommend you pick them up when you buy this one, too.
I received the ARC of Breakaway in exchange for an honest review.

5 out of 5

Riley–Jun 18, 2018

Everybody has secrets. This is the type of story where everybody really wants to keep those secrets because they don’t know who is safe. Two examples of people with secrets are the heroine and hero, Sofia and Leo.
Sofia is a tough survivor, once an active part of the resistance, but, having walked away, now works for a Core company – subversively gathering info and occasionally supplying it to the resistance. Her upbringing as the daughter of the architect of the Tether has provided her with some Everybody has secrets. This is the type of story where everybody really wants to keep those secrets because they don’t know who is safe. Two examples of people with secrets are the heroine and hero, Sofia and Leo.
Sofia is a tough survivor, once an active part of the resistance, but, having walked away, now works for a Core company – subversively gathering info and occasionally supplying it to the resistance. Her upbringing as the daughter of the architect of the Tether has provided her with some interesting and crucial experiences. Her father’s death left her and her sister to cope on their own. Sophia is mentally tough and physically prepared to take on anyone.
Leo, despite Sophia’s Chapter One observation that ‘Leo Gaudier walked a dangerous path’, seems a little soft. After all, he is the one that is rescued not once, not twice, oh who’s counting, by Sophia. Where are his bodyguards? Where is his own toughness? And then later he has the nerve to tell Sophia to hang back for her own safety. He, too, is working secretly against the Cores, but his secretive actions are not talked about much, only hinted at. As you get closer to the end, you will find out more, but up until then, he seems a bit, dare I say wimpy?
The Cores, the ruling corporations, are the bad guys. They are big business with no regard for the little people. No faces. Set all the rules. Founded and rule the Breakaway worlds. Having the big no-name, no-face antagonist leaves me floundering a bit. I guess I am a fan of the really good bad villain. Evidence of the Core’s badness is not shown so much as told. Still, the no-name, no-face villain is still a villain and demands to be dealt with. The question is – How?
So basically, we are coming into a really bad situation that the Verdant String worlds would not approve of. However, they do nothing. What are they waiting for? Turns out it is the kind of evidence that makes people cry.
By the way, if you read the two prequel novellas Interference and Insurgency, you will understand more about why the Verdant String should care. While the author does provide some of the background from these stories in Breakaway, the references to the past are really best covered in those two books. I highly recommend reading Interference and Insurgency before Breakaway.
My reservations about hero Leo and the no-name, no-face bad guys leads me to a 4.5 rating. But I must round up to 5 because I can also tell you that, in Breakaway, Ms. Diener delivers in her typical style – a well thought out intricate plot, several complex, thoughtful characters and a thought-provoking situation on a futuristic world.
The author provided a copy of her book so that I could bring you this honest review.

5 out of 5

Diana in SC–Jun 18, 2018

Breakaway by Michelle Diener
5 stars
Spies and smugglers in a smart space opera. Yay!
I was quite please by this intelligent sci-fi novel. It is like a James Bond mixed with Han Solo! There are secret codes, secret rooms, rebels, smugglers, and a villainously greedy government on a futuristic planet! I love these cool plot elements as well as the intelligent and courageous pair of main characters, Sophie and Leo. They are both admirable and a little bit flawed. I also love how the author has thoug Breakaway by Michelle Diener
5 stars
Spies and smugglers in a smart space opera. Yay!
I was quite please by this intelligent sci-fi novel. It is like a James Bond mixed with Han Solo! There are secret codes, secret rooms, rebels, smugglers, and a villainously greedy government on a futuristic planet! I love these cool plot elements as well as the intelligent and courageous pair of main characters, Sophie and Leo. They are both admirable and a little bit flawed. I also love how the author has thought out the details of the planetary society and the distinctive lingo. There is a romantic element to the story, but the wonderful sci-fi mystery thriller plot overshadows the little bit of romance.
This is the first full-length novel in this “Verdant String” series, but there have been two really cool novellas already written. You can read this novel as a standalone.
It starts with a bang and then slows down a bit before it ramps up again. Don’t give up; it is a totally absorbing space opera that is well worth the read. FYI, there are about 15 character names, so if you can’t keep track of 13 minor characters, then this book might not be for you. Also, I would say it is PG-13 because of the violence and the lack of sex scenes. Any love scenes are “behind closed doors”; in other words, you know that it occurs, but it switches to the next chapter without describing anything about it. I think that works well for this novel.
I really liked the smart mystery/thriller aspect in between awesome action scenes. There were some real nail-biting moments and cool revelations. I highly recommend this for all space opera fans and especially fans of Michelle Diener's science fiction. It is fantastic!
I received a free advanced reading copy, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

4 out of 5

Sandra–Jun 01, 2018

The first full length novel in the Verdant string world. Interestingly in this first full length novel is set not on one of the Verdant String planets but the breakaway planet of Garmen where the planet is controlled by a greedy conglomerate, the average citzen/worker is oppressed and forbidden from leaving and money is all. Sofie is a delightfully capable heroine with an interesting skill set who starts off the story by saving our hero’s life – which she continues to do on a semi-regular basis The first full length novel in the Verdant string world. Interestingly in this first full length novel is set not on one of the Verdant String planets but the breakaway planet of Garmen where the planet is controlled by a greedy conglomerate, the average citzen/worker is oppressed and forbidden from leaving and money is all. Sofie is a delightfully capable heroine with an interesting skill set who starts off the story by saving our hero’s life – which she continues to do on a semi-regular basis and I LOVE it. That doesn’t mean our hero Leo is a wimp, he definitely pulls his weight in the fight against oppression and matches Sofie and they make a great team.
While it can be read as a stand-alone I would highly recommend that you read Verdant String novellas- not because they are necessary for this story (although it will help in understanding the world building) but because they are so damn good.
I received a free copy of the book from the author in return for an honest review.

4 out of 5

Christine–Jun 11, 2018

Because this story has references to the events and people in the short stories, Interference and Insurgency, I highly recommend those be read first. The main characters are fully developed and very interesting. The secondary characters keep making appearances and are worth keeping track of. The story has humor, excitement, mystery, suspense, action, and twists. The romance between the hero and heroine enhances the sci-fi story, but the sex is “off camera”. If you are looking for a high level of Because this story has references to the events and people in the short stories, Interference and Insurgency, I highly recommend those be read first. The main characters are fully developed and very interesting. The secondary characters keep making appearances and are worth keeping track of. The story has humor, excitement, mystery, suspense, action, and twists. The romance between the hero and heroine enhances the sci-fi story, but the sex is “off camera”. If you are looking for a high level of steam in your romance, this isn’t it. The story ends with a HEA for the couple and no cliff-hanger. My usual preference is for paranormal romance, but I find this author to be worth expanding my reading horizons for!

5 out of 5

Jo (Mixed Book Bag)–Jun 15, 2018

Talk about twists and turns. Diener does a great job using the world building and back story to introduce the known and the unknown. This all started with the two novellas about the Verdant String giving some background for the story. Now we arrive at Felicitos--the tethered way station built by Sophie's father. It is full of surprises. Sophie and Leo are two interesting main characters. Both have a hint of mystery about them and when someone tries to kill Leo the two are drawn into a intense te Talk about twists and turns. Diener does a great job using the world building and back story to introduce the known and the unknown. This all started with the two novellas about the Verdant String giving some background for the story. Now we arrive at Felicitos--the tethered way station built by Sophie's father. It is full of surprises. Sophie and Leo are two interesting main characters. Both have a hint of mystery about them and when someone tries to kill Leo the two are drawn into a intense tension filled adventure. I loved Sophie. She is full of surprises. This is a very good start to the new Verdant String series.

5 out of 5

Make Kay–May 24, 2018

I really like Diener's Sci Fi romances. I've devoured everything from her I've gotten my hands on, so I was surprised to figure out that Interference/Insurgency, the Verdant String book #0.5 had somehow managed to escape me. I will be rectifying that immediately!
I read this in one day, because I couldn't put it down. I started reading in the am during cardio, snuck in time to read at lunch, then pulled out my Kindle as soon as dinner was over and told family to Not Talk to Me so I could read, re I really like Diener's Sci Fi romances. I've devoured everything from her I've gotten my hands on, so I was surprised to figure out that Interference/Insurgency, the Verdant String book #0.5 had somehow managed to escape me. I will be rectifying that immediately!
I read this in one day, because I couldn't put it down. I started reading in the am during cardio, snuck in time to read at lunch, then pulled out my Kindle as soon as dinner was over and told family to Not Talk to Me so I could read, read, read!
I like the capable heroine, the caring and supportive yet hot hero, and I love the worldbuilding. I hope we get a bunch of books in the Verdant String world!

4 out of 5

Megan Wilkins–Jun 15, 2018

This is the first full length novel in Michelle Diener's new Verdant String series. This story has everything you could want; action, adventure, mystery, and a side of romance. Both the main guy and the main gal are total kickasses who can kick some major butt! One of the most thrilling part of this series is there is no bad guy but a group of people that almost feel like the government is a corporation that is full of evil doers. While it is not necessary to read Interference/Insurgency prior t This is the first full length novel in Michelle Diener's new Verdant String series. This story has everything you could want; action, adventure, mystery, and a side of romance. Both the main guy and the main gal are total kickasses who can kick some major butt! One of the most thrilling part of this series is there is no bad guy but a group of people that almost feel like the government is a corporation that is full of evil doers. While it is not necessary to read Interference/Insurgency prior to reading Breakaway, Breakaway does reference the events that take place in the novellas. I can't wait to read the next one in this series!

5 out of 5

Heather–Jun 19, 2018

This was a good story. Sofie is a very strong female lead and although I liked Leo, Sofie is clearly the heroine.
Good character and world building. It seemed like it could have several genre classifications, science fiction romance/opera with mystery/thriller/action adventure thrown in.
The romance is there but it isn't the focus of the story. I believe that I will enjoy this new series as much as Michelle's other SFR series.

5 out of 5

Sassapphras–Jul 30, 2018

DNF at 13%
This honestly seems like a good book, but it's just too boring. I've read to about 13% twice now and just can't seem to care to get past it.
Disclaimer: All my DNFs get 1 star. I know it's a major point of contention and is seen as a reviewer faux pas for a lot of people, but I don't care. My review, my rules. Peer pressure can suck itself.

4 out of 5

Cristina–Jun 17, 2018

DNF
It was way to difficult to follow. The first 100 pages or so of this novel were almost incomprehensible to read, filled with nothing but technical terms abbreviations and repetitive cliches. I finally gave up when I realized I was more than half way through the book and still didn't care about any of the characters.

5 out of 5

AlwaysV–Jun 11, 2018

What more could I say about the book I've already expected to earn my Five Super Amazing Stars rating and in reality? It has truly earned way beyond FIVE STARS? So yeah, I loved everything. Loved the world of the Verdant String. Crazy in love with Sofie & Leo. Loved their romance. Loved how kick ass they both were. Loved when good guys won. Best of all? Loved the Halatians' artistic and mind-blowing architectural designs. I'm looking forward to Book #2! Please let the wait be short & swe What more could I say about the book I've already expected to earn my Five Super Amazing Stars rating and in reality? It has truly earned way beyond FIVE STARS? So yeah, I loved everything. Loved the world of the Verdant String. Crazy in love with Sofie & Leo. Loved their romance. Loved how kick ass they both were. Loved when good guys won. Best of all? Loved the Halatians' artistic and mind-blowing architectural designs. I'm looking forward to Book #2! Please let the wait be short & sweet. . . If I could, I would preorder Dee's story right now!

5 out of 5

mrs s a walk–Jun 30, 2018

Another amazing series
I absolutely loved the Dark Horse books and the historical novels. This was just as enthralling, drawing you in to the world the characters inhabit and skilfully building the relations between them. Can't wait for the next book.

4 out of 5

margaret4–Jul 11, 2018

Meh

5 out of 5

Erica–Jul 17, 2018

So confusing. Nothing is explained. No world building

4 out of 5

Shannon C.–Jul 07, 2018

I was pleasantly surprised by this book! Very good read! Will definitely continue the series.

4 out of 5

Maria–Jun 12, 2018

Another space opera, good story, but I will have to reread it a couple of times to love it.

4 out of 5

Andrea Koopaloop–Jul 09, 2018

3.75

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